School Budget Cuts: What would you cut?

[domotime2]

in my state of new jersey Chris Christie just shat on public schools (in laments terms)... and there are a lot of schools that are forced to cut back on certain programs and staff and I got into a little debate with one of my colleagues (im a teacher) about what subject should be first to go..and it's interesting because they're all important... but out of the traditional "extra class" stuff (in elementary schools mostly i mean) which is the least important..

Least Important Class/Thing to have:
1. Computer Class
2. Art Class
3. Music Class
4. Gym
5. Library/Media Center

[TheProsAndCons]

1. Religion
2. Computers.

[BozzBlonde]

I wouldn't want to cut any of these except for Gym. Never enjoyed my gym classes..

Besides, I think school budget cuts are the last thing we need.

[BoysNightOutie]

Gym was always my favorite class, because it wasn't so strict for me in HS we did some warm ups and then played basketball, can't complain.

[x1onexwo1fx]

tough call. i think you can cut computers without too much damage. art and music, for me at least, are definitely important, as i'm really into any form of self expression. i can see how time in the library can help with searching for information. as much as i hated gym, it's essential to at least try to keep kids from getting obese, and it's just an hour into the day to get the kids to relax their brains for a bit, so there's some good in that as well.

but yeah, budget cuts are the main thing we should be getting rid of. i hope the education situation gets better by the time i get my credential.

[jwicklun]

Probably library. Don't get me wrong, its great for research papers, but it doesn't make up much for a class. It's best to expand upon a kid's creativity.

[Tristan Needler]

By library do you mean having a library or having a class about library? I've never heard of a class about libraries. That would be an absurd waste of time. Libraries in and of themselves are arguably the most important things on that list.

People will learn to use computers regardless of whether there is a class on them or not, so that is probably good to go. Although gym doesn't teach you anything useful, it does serve somewhat to keep kids a bit more healthy, at least in their early years. There's nothing else on that list I'd even consider cutting.

[A7XXX]

Anything but music and art classes; we absolutely don't have enough of those. The least important has to be the computer class. Kids are more likely to explore the function of computers or some programs by themselves but not the other stuffs

[jwicklun]

Anything but music and art classes; we absolutely don't have enough of those. The least important has to be the computer class. Kids are more likely to explore the function of computers or some programs by themselves but not the other stuffs

In terms of business, its probably good to at least be experienced with word, excel, and other programs. Most jobs that I applied for were looking for experience in those fields.

[Neo Cassady]

Wow, tough question. I'd have to say computer class, but only if other content areas picked up the slack (e.g., using Word to write language arts papers, Excel for equations and graphs in math), and those teachers taught that software. A lot of my students struggle with typing efficiently (making those other applications worlds more difficult), though, so I'd be hard-pressed to argue for cutting a keyboarding class or something similar. Every one of those choices is by all means necessary.

edit: Those who voted to cut gym class haven't been in a school recently...

[TerrancePryor]

Chris Christie is a piece of fucking shit. Worst governor ever. Dude wants to cut everything but doesn't want to have the Millionaires Tax which would bring in about 600-700 million dollars. Dude needs to be impeached quickly.

[Alex DiVincenzo]

One time gym kept me off the honor roll.

[JordanBuell]

gym or library.

[TotalCollapse]

I'd say library. I barely know anyone who gets nonfiction books from the library since so much is online. And plus, there are public libraries.
I disagree with those who said that computer classes should be cut. Many professions involve computer skills. Also, without computer classes, less students would become interested in careers in the engineering/computer science field which is in high demand.

[domotime2]

haha i knew music was going to be last!

honestly I don't know what the right answer is here.... some kids need to ability to express themselves in different ways (art and music...although honestly how many kids really excel or continue with the clarinet and trumpet they so often drop after 5th/8th grade anyways)... you need gym to keep the kids active in fact it's probably one of the most important if run properly... with the technology of the 21st century it'd be silly to not teach a youngster how to type and use a computer since it's so often used... and well a library, hmm is a library, teachers give tons of assignments that involve going to the media center and doing elementary school type projects. I mean books are pretty important, and after working in an elementary school for a year now I notice that a lot of kids actually kind of like reading.

There really is no right answer here, but this is what many school districts are dealt with. Bummer.


Note: Gym class is winning this? Haha I know this is a site of outcast music/scene kids, but come on, stay in shape dudes. Plus this is the best chance for a kid to learn about sportsmanship, playing by the rules, and learning how to lose.

[muttley]

I'm glad I took computer class. If anything, it taught me how to type much, much more efficiently. From personal experience, I'm going to say music. All I did was goof off, and the only thing I learned was that it's hard to keep time when you're not paying attention. Second or equal to that would definitely be gym, even though it kept me from getting fat.

[tonyC4L]

Even though I hated gym in junior high and high school, I don't think cutting it would be a good idea. It gives kids who normally wouldn't do any physical activity a chance to get outside and do something healthy, even if it's just 45 minutes a day. And as much as I like computers, I'd say that class should be first to go. Like others have said, kids will learn to use computers on their own, and there will almost always be someone around to show them things they can't figure out.

Looking back though, I wish I had taken keyboarding when I was younger... I still hunt and peck and it frustrates me that I'm not as fast/accurate as a lot of others, but that level of frustration is nothing compared to the level I'm at when using Mavis Beacon.

[DonnerParty666]

One time gym kept me off the honor roll.
gym was the only thing keeping me on the honour roll.

[Stavie Steelo]

Art Class. People need to know how to use computers why would you cut that first?

[spansen]

why is their a class on library/media center? i assume you're being either read to, or helping put things away? why is that not a part of other courses?

[sorryvampire]

am i the only person who thinks that as a teacher, this person should know it's layman's terms? anyway, i guess in the end, computer classes, because even without them, kids learn how to use the computer and the internet - parental locks are on computers and tvs for a reason, aren't they? i taught myself when i got my first one and i'd consider myself fairly technologically saavy now thanks to having no one to lean on to figure this stuff out.

[brandon_260]

Gotta go with gym, I could live without it. Not surprised music has the least votes

[InvisibleImage]

love the 4 people who are on a music site and pick music as least important.

[ace1112]

the 4 that picked music should probably de activate their accounts

[bobsheiskawy]

One time gym kept me off the honor roll.
how was your gym graded? when i had it in middle school (at my high school, you had to play sports - no grades), it was more or less just attendance.

[Alex DiVincenzo]

how was your gym graded? when i had it in middle school (at my high school, you had to play sports - no grades), it was more or less just attendance.
In high school, we were required to take gym for 2 of the 4 years. We were graded on being "prepared" (AKA changing into gym shorts) and participating. My friends and I, because we just got in the way during any sports, played hacky sack the whole time. The teacher didn't really seem to care because he knew we weren't athletic, but I got a C.

[ayerock]

1. Religion
2. Computers.

I think it's important to learn about religion

[TheProsAndCons]

I think it's important to learn about religion
(I was going to go on a big rant about Christianity, but I decided what's the point haha.)

Same. But not in the way it's taught now (or at least in Irish (Christian Brothers) schools). I think it's the same with all the subjects up there though. If gym (p.e.) was taught differntly, it probably wouldn't be top of the poll. If teachers are to enthusiastic about certain parts of the curriculm, and barely cover others (so that for months, you're doing the exact same thing 2-3 times a week) people are going to get bored with it, and the subject will get boring (well, duh). Just my 2 cents? :shrug:

[Machu505]

Gym.

[jwicklun]

I think it's important to learn about religion

It's important to learn each individual religion, and let's be honest, the history can teach us a lot and how it is being repeated.

[frenchatticus]

I already know most of what a basic school computer class can teach me, so computers. I mean is technology really too hard to explore and figure out on your own? Music and art should stay simply because they're creative outlets, gym can help keep kids in shape whether they want it to or not, and a little down time or reading would definitely make my day seem less hectic in library/media center.

[Joeypeapot777]

Science!

[eriatarka24]

ergh, what an idiot.

anyway, I chose gym.

[sweepthenation]

Everyone choosing gym is completely wrong. When our nation's fitness levels and obesity levels are at the wrong ends of the spectrum, having a healthy dose of athletics during school hours should be encouraged. Library should be cut.

[DCfreak]

^^^ agreed

[Intotheunkn0wn]

i find it interesting that we are the most obese nation in the world and people would like to cut out gym class. Sure it's not going to help you get your Ph.D or find a cure for cancer, but i think having exposure to exercise and athletics is good for people. exercise is healthy people! haha

[Intotheunkn0wn]

Everyone choosing gym is completely wrong. When our nation's fitness levels and obesity levels are at the wrong ends of the spectrum, having a healthy dose of athletics during school hours should be encouraged. Library should be cut.


saw this literally 2-3 seconds after my post. oops

[fightinirish217]

This is an impossible poll. None should be dropped. I'd say computers if I had to pick b/c everyone already knows how to use them these days anyway but its still important.

Also, with the continuing obesity problem in America, don't like the idea of dropping gym classes. Plus, you get to play sports in school, so there's that.

[kamaka]

ughh...gym

[sweepthenation]

I wouldn't want to cut any of these except for Gym. Never enjoyed my gym classes..

Besides, I think school budget cuts are the last thing we need.

gym or library.

Gotta go with gym, I could live without it. Not surprised music has the least votes

Gym.

ergh, what an idiot.

anyway, I chose gym.

ughh...gym

Let me guess, you guys all got picked last in dodgeball as a kid and have no redeeming quality on the field?

[Machu505]

Let me guess, you guys all got picked last in dodgeball as a kid and have no redeeming quality on the field?
Nah I did flawlessly in gym. It's just that class is the least educational of the options.

[eriatarka24]

Nah I did flawlessly in gym. It's just that class is the least educational of the options.
that, and from my experience, it just wasn't taught very well...and some stuff was stupid.

like, one time we had to get into groups and make up a dance, and i was like, what's this got to do with anything? i don't like stupid situations where you have to put pressure on yourself for dumb things or have to show other people stuff so they criticize you. it's like, fuck that.

just run around, do warm ups, stretches, play sports. none of that game/dance bullshit. and this was while i was in high school.

and yeah, it's the least educational. people should learn to incorporate exercise in their lives without gym anyway, seeing as gym class isn't every day of the week.

[brandon_260]

Let me guess, you guys all got picked last in dodgeball as a kid and have no redeeming quality on the field?
No actually, I just finished gym with and 80%, I just feel it is the least necessary class of the choices

[about3fitty]

gym. gym teachers dont teach you anything. if the schools actually wanted their students to get exercise, they should make it a requirement to play a sport. gym class is always a complete joke and no one ever learns about being healthy or staying in shape. it consists of the fat kids and the nerds bitching about how they shouldnt have to take gym and the actual athletes are bored out of their minds because there are like 3 kids in each class who are coordinated enough to run without injuring themselves.

[TheRealJohnOC]

Chris Christie is a piece of fucking shit. Worst governor ever. Dude wants to cut everything but doesn't want to have the Millionaires Tax which would bring in about 600-700 million dollars. Dude needs to be impeached quickly.
Couldn't agree more! It's a sin what he did to the teachers. I work at a sewage plant and now we have a new director starting to lay people off. I mean Corzine was horrible but knew better.

[BozzBlonde]

Let me guess, you guys all got picked last in dodgeball as a kid and have no redeeming quality on the field?

Actually I've been on my high school varsity teams for softball and basketball, and I've gone to state.
Have you ever seen public school gym classes? All they make you do is change into whatever you want to wear for gym class and that's your grade. They hardly ever make you do anything in that class.

[sweepthenation]

Actually I've been on my high school varsity teams for softball and basketball, and I've gone to state.
Have you ever seen public school gym classes? All they make you do is change into whatever you want to wear for gym class and that's your grade. They hardly ever make you do anything in that class.

Hmmm that might be it, I went to a private school, and the Gym class there was quite well constructed and tested your athletic abilities.

[xapplexpiex]

Gym. It's not that it's not important, but everything else is more important.

[zachff]

Gym. It's not that it's not important, but everything else is more important.
This is why America is obese.

Definitely library, wtf is that

[switchfeet13]

Gym. It's a high school nightmare for weak, non-athletic kids.

[xapplexpiex]

This is why America is obese.

Definitely library, wtf is that
I think high school gym class didn't help or even motivate the fat kids, it just made them feel worse about themselves. At least that's how it was at my school. The teacher didn't really care and he gave the football players all the attention anyways.

[zachff]

I think high school gym class didn't help or even motivate the fat kids, it just made them feel worse about themselves. At least that's how it was at my school. The teacher didn't really care and he gave the football players all the attention anyways.
Perhaps, but on the same token that may have been the only exercise that those larger kids got. Didn't really have that situation with football kids, but I was a hockey player so what do I know.

[Charles777]

Who would pick music?

[Scrandon]

Computer class is the most important one there.

My school did a couple library sessions in English class, not necessary to have a whole class on it.

Haven't had a music class since 3rd grade.

Art class does not really allow for self expression, just did what I had to in order to get the grade.

Everyone know gym is pretty much garbage.

In my experience, none of these classes are anywhere near as valuable as people make them out to be.

[Madasahatter93]

being the fat kid i would def say gym nothing like running twenty feet behind the classmates tits a flippin and floppin and having to stop after 30 to catch my breath seconds and then everyone bitching at me because they now had to du suicides (including me) all cause i couldn't keep up with the more healthy and fit kids. so i guess it doesnt need to be cut but i DEF DEF say it shouldn't be mandatory.

[xRadioJoyx]

In high school, we were required to take gym for 2 of the 4 years. We were graded on being "prepared" (AKA changing into gym shorts) and participating. My friends and I, because we just got in the way during any sports, played hacky sack the whole time. The teacher didn't really seem to care because he knew we weren't athletic, but I got a C.

hahaha this is exactly what gym class is like for me now. my teacher chucks major sads though for not bringing a change of shirt and says our mothers would be terribly embarrassed as we aren't taking the right clothes that they apparently spend all their time washing. i actually spend a good amount of gym class walking laps around the oval and surfing ap.net on my iPhone. good stuff

[TsLPunkRocker]

It makes me sad to see gym class winning this. America is so overweight and it's all because kids are so inactive. The one time most kids get ANY exercise at all is P.E. class, then it's home to eat a bunch of unhealthy shit while sitting in front of a TV or computer screen for 5 hours.

[Kozzy333]

Music is something that you can do outside of school easily, so I pick music.

[2's&3's]

I'm shocked and pissed that Gym Class is receiving the most amount of votes. Although I think this says more about the members of this forum than anything, this is an issue. The amount of time in gym class needs to be extended, the number of times during the week should increase, and the teachers should be given more money. Even though there may not be studies specifically focusing on the effects of gym class and the long-term benefits, it is a great opportunity for all people to understand the benefits of exercise and healthy living. This could be one of many different methods used to combat the childhood obesity epidemic, as well as increasing the chances of prolonged exercise adherence.

Basically, fuck you all for choosing gym class.

[broaddplease]

hahaha this is exactly what gym class is like for me now. my teacher chucks major sads though for not bringing a change of shirt and says our mothers would be terribly embarrassed as we aren't taking the right clothes that they apparently spend all their time washing. i actually spend a good amount of gym class walking laps around the oval and surfing ap.net on my iPhone. good stuff

Me too! haha
It was sort of optional to participate in gym at my school so I never thought the class was that important. Although I think Library class should go, whatever that is.

[drpepper09]

haha i knew music was going to be last!

Note: Gym class is winning this? Haha I know this is a site of outcast music/scene kids, but come on, stay in shape dudes. Plus this is the best chance for a kid to learn about sportsmanship, playing by the rules, and learning how to lose.

Well thats the main problem with primary education in the US these days. They don't teach the kids how to lose. I have friends who work at extended day (daycare) programs after school and they are not allowed to have the kids play any games where someone wins and the other loses. They are told to teach the kids that everyone is a winner and that's a bunch of crock-pot bullshit if you ask me.

I think that education needs to be the most funded section of any nation. I live in Texas where the new textbooks talk about how the US is founded in the name of god, the confederate leaders are equivalent to american revolutionary heroes, and thomas jefferson isn't considered a founding father. So obviously we have a ton of work to do in this state...

[domotime2]

it's despicable that gym class won this, in my opinion

[snowboarderkid]

Library/Media Center, sounds like the it's pointless.